By Okey Muogbo
Former National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic
Party (nPDP) and now chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Eze
Chukwuemeka Eze has expressed delight over the appointment of Prof.
Stephen Okodudu as Ag. Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
In a statement made available to media houses, the APC chief described Okodudu as an academic thoroughbred with strategic managerial skills necessary for the efficient running of the Institution for better output.
Said Chief Eze, “I am delighted to felicitate with you my brother and friend Prof. Stephen
Okodudu, on your appointment, having risen through the ranks to the zenith
of your illustrious career as Vice Chancellor (Ag.) of one of Nigeria’s leading higher institutions, the University of Port Harcourt”.
Extolling the qualities of the seasoned academician, the party chief said that
Okodudu has remained incontrovertibly constant like the “Northern Star” in
his life pursuits and professional endeavors, stressing that his tenacity
of purpose, remarkable commitment, excellent performance and exhibition of
high level professionalism will, no doubt, bring about a paradigm shift in
the University of Port Harcourt and reposition the Institution for optimum
performance with timely results.
“You have so much task ahead and I am confident that the wealth of experience you have amassed over the years in academics and administration will help tremendously in the timely repositioning of the university and I am proud to be identified with you.
Eze stressed that his appointment though in acting capacity means that
within six months he will oversee the process leading to the emergence of a
Substantive Vice Chancellor.
Eze counselled the new Vice Chancellor to do his best to: ensure compliance with the relevant laws in the discharge of his duty as well as ensuring that all cases of victimization of staff and students by the past adminstration of the University are corrected.
Other issues Eze drew the attention of the new Ag VC are to restore the good image of the community through fairness and respect of staff and students’ rights, to promote good relationship with the neighboring communities and to make the Visitor to the University (Buhari) proud.
To make the work of the new VC easy, Chief Eze appealed to staff and students of
the University to accord Prof. Okodudu all necessary supports while praying to God to give him divine wisdom to break new grounds and lead the institution to higher heights.
Eze then commended both the Visitor to the University, President Muhammadu Buhari and the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu for making a great and wise choice in the appointment of Prof Stephen Okodudu in this capacity.
